The latest research from Smithers forecasts strong growth for the flexo-print market. In a shifting marketplace, it is one of the few analogue processes that will see genuine expansion across the next five years. This is mainly due to its popularity in packaging. The Future of Flexographic Printing Markets to 2029 offers some illuminating and positive data.
The latest research from Smithers forecasts strong growth for the flexo-print market
![Figure 1: Flexographic printing output by region, 2019–29 ($ million, constant [2023] prices and exchange rates)](https://www.specialistprinting.com/assets/img/blank.png)
Global value for flexo printing in 2024 was €223.4 ($230.5) billion. Having recovered from a drop in demand across 2022–2023 – caused by destocking of inventories built up during the pandemic – the market is set for steady growth. A more than three per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will push value to €258 ($267.2) billion in 2029,
at constant 2023 pricing.
Across the same period, the volume of flexo output will increase from 8.68 trillion A4 print equivalents (2024) to 10.01 trillion (2029). Packaging print is increasingly important for flexo. Two applications – corrugated board and flexible packaging – account for 73.5% of contemporary output by volume. With three more – folding cartons, labels and bags and sacks – representing a further 13.1%. Smithers forecasts that all packaging applications will grow across the five years to 2029. The highest increases will be seen for flexible packaging and labels.
Competition from a new generation of high-productivity inkjet presses is a threat, especially for shorter runs. This can be countered by the promotion of hybrid press configurations. These combine the benefits of both processes – with more agile inkjet for variable-data elements and design changes. They also lower the cost of flexo ink for primers, opaque white backgrounds, heavy areas of spot colour or special effects.
A more than three per cent CAGR will push value to €258 ($267.2) billion in 2029
Demand for other flexo products – newspapers and envelopes – will decline. Conversely, sanitary and kitchenware sales will increase. Sales of new flexo machinery were €1.82 ($1.88) billion in 2024. The most valuable equipment sector is wide-web, which represents 62.0% of contemporary value.
Despite the growth in flexo-print volumes, the installed base of flexo presses is forecast to fall steadily. This is due to higher productivity machines replacing older units and operators benefitting from improvements in automation on-press. Improvements can also be seen in plate production, predictive maintenance platforms, online connectivity and advanced screening technology.
The Future of Flexographic Printing Markets to 2029 is available to purchase now from Smithers.